DAMAGE to agriculture and fisheries in Negros Occidental in the wake of Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) reached P19.97 million, according to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist’s report Tuesday.
Affected were three cities and three towns in northern Negros, including Sagay City, San Carlos City, Cadiz City, and the municipalities of Toboso, Manapla, and E.B. Magalona. In the south, only Valladolid has reported losses so far.
According to the OPA, damage to crops reached P12.115 million while losses in fisheries amounted to P7.861 million due to strong winds and heavy rains.
Affected crops included palay with reported damage of P8.55 million; corn, P3.333 million; and other crops, P231,750.
Damage to pump boats and fishing equipment were also reported in affected localities.
Sagay City reported the highest amount of damage to crops and fisheries at P5.599 million, and P7.533 million, respectively.
Damage to agro-fishery in San Carlos City was pegged at P4.803 million; Toboso, P1.143 million; Manapla, P241,600; Cadiz City, P170,400; E.B. Magalona, P84,000; and Valladolid, P72,900.
Five localities also reported a damage of P180,870 to livestock and poultry, records of the Provincial Veterinary Office showed.
A total of 134 animals died due to cold weather. Affected were animals in Salvador Benedicto, E.B. Magalona, Manapla, Toboso towns, and Sagay City.
Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said areas most affected by rains and strong winds brought by Typhoon Ruby were in northern Negros where most of the evacuation also happened.
More than 70,000 Negrenses in 21 cities and towns across Negros Occidental were evacuated last weekend.
He said the province will still determine the extent of the damage and assistance to be given to the affected families.
The governor also said that the province may also send assistance to areas bady hit by Typhoon Ruby.
In the past, Negros Occidental has extended assistance to calamity- stricken areas like Bohol and Negros Oriental when they were hit by an earthquake and Cagayan de Oro when it was also hit by a strong typhoon.
Marañon said that Negrenses should be thankful that the province was spared from those calamities.